Rock ‘n’ roll socialite Meg Mathews has a lot on her (vegan) plate, from her work as a jewellery designer to her efforts as PETA's celebrity liaison.
But that didn’t stop her from teaming up with hot accessories label Wilby to design a new line of leather-free handbags. Available in black, pillar box red, mustard and electric blue, The Primrose Hill Set collection includes an oversize tote, a city bag, clutches and a backpack all made from eco-friendly cork and metal. A percentage of the sale from each bag will be donated to PETA.
“I love fashion almost as much as I love helping animals, and my new Wilby line has allowed me to combine two of my greatest passions”, Mathews says. “I am proud to create eco-friendly handbags that will allow shoppers to find a chic new look without harming a single cow, sheep or any other animal.”
All Wilby bags are made in the UK, and in line with Wilby’s motto – Mahatma Gandhi’s famous saying “There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness”. All handbags are made of eco-friendly, animal-free materials. Cows used for leather suffer immensely on crowded factory farms, where disease and deprivation of food and water are common. Painful mutilations such as tail-docking, dehorning and castration are all performed without any painkillers. At abattoirs, many cows are improperly stunned and skinned while they’re still conscious and able to feel pain. You can see for yourself by watching Stella McCartney’s shocking video exposé of the leather industry.
In addition, tanneries use highly toxic mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives and various oils, dyes and finishes – some of which are cyanide-based – that can pollute nearby water and soil and make local residents sick.
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